The weather department has predicted that the depression might into a severe cyclonic storm bringing rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and the Lakshadweep archipelago within next few hours.

New Delhi: Indian Coast Guard formations off the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been put on high alert after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert saying that a depression has formed over the southeast and adjoining east central Arabian Sea.

The weather department has predicted that the depression might into a severe cyclonic storm bringing rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and the Lakshadweep archipelago within next few hours. The Coast Guard said it has put its formations on high alert and its dornier aircraft and ships have been deployed off Kerala, Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands, and south Tamil Nadu seas.

“The sea condition would be “rough to very rough” during next 12 hours. An advisory has been issued to fishermen at sea to return to harbour”, the Coast Guard informed on micro-blogging site Twitter.

#WATCH: Indian Coast Guard formations have been put on high alert after issuance of warning by IMD regarding formation of low pressure in South East Arabian Sea on 1 October & likely development into depression. (Video source: Indian Coast Guard) pic.twitter.com/Bc4bfCmJGY— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2018

The Kerala government has sprung into action, following the alert and is also closely monitoring the water levels in various dams in the state. As a precautionary measure, it has also opened shutters of nearly 22 dams including Malamapuzha, Neyyar, Kallada Cheruthoni and parts of Idukki.

Earlier in August, Kerala was hit by worst floods causing massive destruction in the state. As per a report, 483 people have and thousands of houses were destroyed.